we're about to start

USAGE SUMMARY

"we're about to start" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a way to express that you are about to begin something. For example: "We're about to start the meeting - please take your seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

We're about to start here.

The Guardian - Sport

AMY DAVIDSON: And we're about to start!

The New Yorker

I keep feeling we're about to start".

The New Yorker

We're about to start book two.

The New Yorker

4.59pm: And we're about to start finally.

The Guardian - Sport

Inevitably the negotiations we're about to start will involve compromise.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

I think we really are about to start the move back into our own place.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We saw that the war was about to start and we left.

The New York Times

"We didn't know a war was about to start.

The Guardian

The cast are about to start filming the third series, while we are about to start watching the second.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Well, we are about to start finding out.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we're about to start" to create a sense of anticipation or immediacy, especially when announcing the beginning of an event, meeting, or activity.

Common error

In highly formal documents or academic papers, avoid contractions like "we're". Instead, use the full form: "we are about to start."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we're about to start" functions as an announcement or indication of an imminent beginning. It typically precedes an activity, event, or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and usable phrase. Examples show this in contexts ranging from sports to project launches.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Sport

22%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Tech

9%

TV & Radio

2%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we're about to start" is a commonly used phrase that effectively signals an impending commencement. As Ludwig AI affirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for a range of contexts, though avoiding contractions may suit more formal writing. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to alert and prepare individuals for upcoming activities. When aiming for similar expressions, consider alternatives like "we are on the verge of starting" or "we will commence shortly". Remember to avoid contractions like "we're" in academic writing. Ultimately, this versatile phrase helps convey the sense of an imminent beginning across various communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are on the verge of starting

Replaces the contraction with a more formal expression, maintaining the sense of imminent beginning.

we are just about to begin

Adds emphasis on the immediacy of the start.

we are getting ready to begin

Emphasizes the preparatory phase leading up to the start.

we're beginning imminently

Highlights the close proximity in time to the start.

we will commence shortly

Uses a more formal tone to indicate a near start.

we're going to get underway

Suggests the start of a process or journey.

we're kicking off soon

Implies an informal and energetic start.

we're set to initiate

Focuses on the planned aspect of the start.

we are at the point of commencement

Formally indicates being at the threshold of starting.

the starting point is near

Shifts the focus to the proximity of the beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "we're about to start" in a sentence?

You can use "we're about to start" to indicate that something is beginning very soon. For example: "We're about to start the presentation, so please take your seats."

What are some alternatives to "we're about to start"?

You can use alternatives like "we are going to begin", "we will commence shortly", or "we are on the verge of starting depending on the context.

Is "we're about to start" formal or informal?

"We're about to start" is generally considered informal due to the contraction. In formal settings, it's better to use "we are about to start."

What's the difference between "we're about to start" and "we're going to start"?

"We're about to start" implies that the start is imminent, happening very soon. "We're going to start" is more general and indicates a planned future start, not necessarily immediate.